Reduce Inflammation with Turmeric/Curcumin

A member of the ginger family, turmeric (Curcuma longa) is widely used in Indian cooking, giving curry its distinctive yellow hue. The plant is also a pillar of Ayurvedic medicine due to the properties of curcumin, turmeric’s most active ingredient. Preliminary research suggests that curcumin may help reduce inflammation and cell damage, manage joint and muscle pain, improve digestive disorders like dyspepsia and ulcerative colitis, decrease symptoms of depression, and lower blood sugar and systolic blood pressure.

Curcumin Power Source

“Curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, and when taken as a daily supplement can help alleviate or prevent lots of chronic illnesses,” says Ajay Goel, PhD, director of the Center for Gastrointestinal Research and the Center for Epigenetics, Cancer Prevention, and Cancer Genomics at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. “For most adults, a curcumin supplement between 250 milligrams and 500 milligrams is reasonable.”

Use Turmeric and Curcumin right

The problem with curcumin is getting enough of it. Pure turmeric powder contains only about 3 percent curcumin; even then, the human body has great difficulty absorbing and retaining it. “Consumption of curcumin with food can enhance its absorption, probably due to the presence of fat,” says Goel.

Watch Out For 

Stomach upset and increased gallstone symptoms are possible. Interactions may occur with blood thinners, stomach-acid reducers, and diabetes medications. BCM-95, formulas that contain it (such as Curamin), or other high-absorption forms of curcumin (C3 Reduct, Longvida, Meriva, Theracurmin) may be preferred at varying dosages for specific ailments; discuss your needs with your health practitioner.

Try These Turmeric/Curcumin Products: 

InnovixLabs High Absorption Curcumin (C3) 
$31.99/100 225-mg vegetarian time-release tablets with 2.5 mg black pepper;
innovixlabs.com

Terry Naturally CuraMed (BCM-95) 
$29.95/60 200-mg vegan capsules;
terrynaturally.com